Motor mount

ABSTRACT

A motor mount for securing an electric trolling motor or the like to the bow portion of a boat which includes a motor mounting plate secured to a folding frame structure. The folding frame structure is removably secured to the bow portion of the boat by means of a pair of mutually engageable wedge-type brackets fixedly secured respectively to the frame structure and the bow portion of the boat. A latch is carried by the folding frame to secure the relatively movable members thereof in operating position. The motor mounting plate is sized such that it provides positive securement of the motor mount to the bow portion of the boat when the motor mount is latched in the operating position.

Unite States Patent Lyon MOTOR MOUNT Primary Examiner-J. Franklin Foss AttrneyJerry J. Dunlap, Robert M. Hessin et al.

[76] Inventor: Clifford R. Lyon, 8 W. 40th St., Sand Springs, Okla. 74063 22] Filed: May 25, 1972 A C [2]] Appl, No.: 256,646 A motor mount for securing an electric trolling motor or the like to the bow portion of a boat which includes a motor mounting plate secured to a folding frame [52] U38]. ..24]83/64:;b1;;/(l)g structure The folding frame Structure is removably 4 293 cured to the bow portion of the boat by means of a pair [5 l d 0 l I 5 of mutually engageable wedge-type brackets fixedly se- 2 11 H cured respectively to the frame structure and the bow portion of the boat. A latch is carried by the folding [56] References cued frame to secure the relatively movable members UNlTED STATES PATENTS thereof in operating position. The motor mounting 3,245,640 4/1966 lbbs 248/4 plate is sized such that it provides positive securement 3,629,885 l2/197l a ks l 5/l X of the motor mount to the bow portion of the boat 1,764,478 6/1930 Tidmafshw 243/293 when the motor mount is latched in the operating posi- 2,969,763 l/l96l Foster .v ll5/l7 X on 2,828,098 3/1958 Lehmann 248/293 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 8 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures 72,422 3/1916 Austria .t 115/17 l M /w l .4 K. l l i J l J l v I U I w 1 56 60 52 f 55 V 54 7 I f I "7:11 21: :F::: TZ .f. m'[ Q 1 In W 50 68 I 52 )Qe 2o tl t we s n I, t I I I 42 azt 7.4 4 l r-t MOTOR MOUNT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to motor mounts for boats, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a removable, folding motor mount suitable for supporting an electric trolling motor or the like on the bow portion of a boat.

2. Description of the Prior Art The prior art discloses numerous schemes for providing mounting facilities for auxillary gasoline outboard motors to the stern portion of sailboats. These schemes, however, do not lend themselves to the mounting of electric trolling motors to the bow portions of small fishing boats. The great majority of electric trolling motors presently available on the market are equipped with conventional transom-type mounting brackets utilizing one or two screw clamps. As will be readily understood, such clamping devices are quite satisfactory for mounting an electric trolling motor to a virtually vertical boat transom, howevensuch clamping devices are generally not suitable for mounting an electric trolling motor to the bow portion of most fishing boats. There are currently on the market a number of specialpurpose electric trolling motors combining remote control facilities with a special mounting bracket facilitating their mounting on the bow portion of fishing boats. However, electric trolling motors of this type are ex tremely expensive and are not readily removable from the fishing boat upon which they are permanently secured. The special mounting brackets on these latter trolling motors do not provide facility for attachment of trolling motors equipped with conventional screwtype clamping devices.

In summary, the prior art appears to offer no suitable economical solution to providing a motor mountfor mounting an electric trolling motor equipped with a conventional clamping device to the 'bow portion of a a boat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus for securing an electric trolling motor or the like to the bow portion of a boat. The apparatus comprises a first elongated member having a forward end portion, an aft end portion and a bottom surface. A first bracket member, having a forward end portionand an aftend portion, is fixedly secured to the bottom surface of the first elongated member, and has a first pair of straight wedge surfaces formed thereon and aligned generally with the longitudinal axis of the first elongated memberwiththe first wedge surfaces being inclined slightly toward each other as they extend forward from the aft end portion of the first bracket member. A secondbracket memher, having a'forward end portion and an aft end portion, is rigidly securable toth'e bow portion of the boat.

first bracket member may be alternately rigidly engaged with and separated from the second bracket member. Means is provided for rigidly securing the second bracket member to the bow portion of the boat. A second elongated member, having a forward end portion and'an aft end portion, is hingedly secured at the aft end thereof to the aft end portion of the first elongated member for relative pivotal movement between the first and second elongated members about a substantially horizontal axis. A motor mounting plate, having an upper end portion, a lower end portion and a medial portion, is fixedly secured at the medial portion thereof to the forward end portion of the second elongated member and lies on a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the second elongated member. Also provided is securing means mutually engageable with the first and second elongated members for releasably securing the first and second elongated members together in a predetermined operating position to prevent relative pivotal movement therebetween.

It is, therefore, an Object of the present invention to provide a motor mount for securing an electric trolling motor or the like having conventional transom-type clamping means to the bow poriton of a boat.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a motor mount for securing an electric trolling motor or the like to the bow portion of a boat which facilitates the installation and removal of the motor from the bow portion of a boat and eliminates the requirement for permanent installation of the motor on the boat.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a motor mount for securing an electric trolling motor or the like to the bow portion of a boat which is economical ito fabricate, structurallysound and simple to operate. a

Other objects and advantages of the present invention willbe evident from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. I

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. [is a side elevation view of a motor mount c0nstructed in accordance with the present invention and shown mounted on the bow portion of a boat.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a motor mount constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. -l.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. Sis a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 and illustrating another form of latch for use on the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partial plan view taken along line.6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a partial side elevation view similarto FIG. 1 and illustrating another form of latch for use with the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectionallvie'w taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE. PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS dance with the present invention. The motor mount is shown installed on the bow portion of a boat 12. A conventional electric trolling motor 14 is shown clamped on the motor mount 10 in FIG. 1.

The motor mount 10 includes a first elongated member 16 having a forward end portion 18 and an aft end portion 20. The elongated member 16 is preferably formed of metal and is U-shaped in cross-section. The member 16 may be suitably constructed of extruded aluminum or stamped or otherwise formed sheet aluminum or steel. The member 16 includes a bottom portion 22 and opposite side portions 24 and 26.

A first bracket member 28 is fixedly secured to the bottom portion 22 of the elongated member 16 by suitable means such as rivets 30. The first bracket member 28 is preferably fabricated of stamped or otherwise formed sheet steel. The first bracket member includes a forward end portion 30 and 'an aft end portion 32. The first bracket member 28 also includes a pair of straight wedge surfaces 34 and 36 which are aligned generally with the longitudinal axis of the elongated member 16. The straight wedge surfaces 34 and 36 are inclined slightly toward each other as they extend forward from the aft end portion 32 to the forward end portion 30 of the first bracket member 28. The wedge surfaces 34 and 36 are also inclined downwardly and outwardly from the bottom portion 22 of the elongated member 16.

A second bracket member 38 having a forward end portion 40 and an aft end portion 42 is provided for permanent installation on the bow portion of the boat 12. The second bracket member is preferably fabricated of stamped or otherwise formed sheet metal. The second bracket member 38 is suitably secured to the bow portion 12 by means of a plurality of rivets or rivet bolts 44, or other suitable fastening means. The rivets or bolts 44 pass through respective apertures 46 which are each elongated along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second bracket member thereby providing means for longitudinal adjustment of the position of the second bracket member 38 on the bow portion 12. The second bracket member 38 includes a pair of straight wedge surfaces 48 and 50 which are inclined slightly toward each other as they extend forward from the aft end portion 42 to the forward end portion 40 of the second bracket member 38. The included angles between the wedge surfaces 48 and 50, and the wedge surfaces 34 and 36, respectively, are substantially equal thus permitting the first bracket member 28 to be positioned on the second bracket member 38 between the wedge surfaces 48 and 50 thereof and securely connected thereto by sliding the first bracket member 28 forward until the straight wedge surfaces 34 and 36 thereof engage the respective straight wedge surfaces 49 and 50 of the second bracket member.

A second elongated member 52 having a forward end portion 54 and an aft end portion 56 is pivotally secured to the first elongated member 16. The elongated member 52 is preferably U-shaped in cross-section and includes a top portion 58 and opposite side portions 60 and 62. The pivotal or hinge connection between second elongated member 52 and the first elongated member 16 is provided by a horizontal pin or bolt 64 extending through the side portions 24 and 26 of the first elongated member 16 and the side portions 60 and 62 of the second elongated member 52 adjacent to the respective aft end portions and 56 thereof. This pivotal connection afforded by the horizontal pin 64 permits hinge movement of the second elongated member 52 relative to the first elongated member 16 about a substantially horizontal axis. The elongated member 52 is preferably formed of metal and is U-shaped in crosssection. The elongated member 52 may be suitably constructed of extruded aluminum or stamped or otherwise formed sheet aluminum or steel.

A motor mounting plate 66, having an upper end portion 68, a lower end portion and a medial portion 72 is fixedly secured at its media] portion 72 to the forward end portion 54 of the second elongated member 52. The motor mounting plate 66 lies in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the second elongated member 52.

A lock member 74 is fixedly secured to the second elongated member 52 and extends downwardly therefrom to a point immediately forward of the forward end portion 40 of the second bracket member 38 when the second elongated member 52 is folded downwardly into its operating position as is shown in FIG. 1. The lock member 74 is so positioned on the elongated member 52 that when the first and second bracket members 28 and 38 are fully engaged as described above, they are prevented from being slidingly disengaged by the interference of the lock member 74 with the forward end portion 40 of the second bracket member 38. The lock member 74 may be suitably formed of metal such as aluminum or steel and may be suitably secured to the second elongated member 52 by means of a plurality of threaded bolts or rivets 76 or by resistance welding. The locking action of the lock member 74 provides the primary locking action between the motor mount 10 and the boat 12, while the previously described locking action between the lower end portion 70 of the motor mounting plate 66 and the bow portion of the boat 12 is in addition thereto when the boat configuration so allows.

The releasable latch 78 is pivotally secured to one side portion 60 of the second elongated member 52. The latch 78 has a notch 80 formed in the lower end portion 82 thereof. A latch-engaging pin 84 extends horizontally outwardly from the side portion 24 of the first elongated member 16 and is engageable with the notch 80 to secure the second elongated member 52 in its substantially horizontal operating position thereby retaining the lock member 74 in proper locking position adjacent to the forward end 40 of the second bracket member 38. The upper end portion 86 of the releasable latch 78 extends a small distance above the top portion 58 of the member 52 thereby affording the operator a gripping surface for releasing the releasable latch 78 from engagement with the latch-engaging pin 84.-The releasable latch 78 is pivotally secured to the side portion 60 of the elongated member 52 by means of a pin or bolt 88. The releasable latch 78 may be suitably fonned of metal such as steel and the latchengaging pin 84 may be suitably formed of metal such as steel drill rod or the like.

OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT To operate the motor mount 10, the second bracket member 38 is first rigidly secured to the bow portion 12 of a boat by means of the previously mentioned rivets or bolts 44 extending through the apertures 46 in the bracket member 38. The bracket member 38 is preferably aligned with its longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boat 12. The forward end portion 40 of the bracket member 38 is positioned toward the bow of the boat.

The operator releases the releasable latch 78 from engagement with the Iatch-engaging pin 84 and pivots the first and second elongated member 16 and 52 apart to an angle approximately equal to 45. The first bracket member 28 is then slidingly engaged with the second bracket member 38 until the respective straight wedge surfaces formed thereon are securely engaged. The second elongated member 52 is then swung downwardly to a substantially horizontal position with the lock member 74 positioned immediately ahead of the forward end portion of the second bracket member 38 thereby preventing the disengagement of the first and second bracket members 28 and 38. The releasable latch 78 is then pivoted such that the notch 80 formed therein engages the latch-engaging pin 84 thereby securely locking the motor mount to the bow portion 12 of the boat. A conventional electric trolling motor 14 may then be secured to the motor mounting plate 66 by means of the conventional screw clamp which is a part of the electric trolling motor 14.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIGS. 5

AND 6 FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate another form of latch mechanism 90 mounted on a slightly modified first elongated member 160 and engageable with a slightly modified second elongated member 52a. The latch mechanism 90 comprises a yieldable latch member 92 preferably fabricated from a relatively thin sheet of spring steel. The lower end portion 94 of the yieldable latch member 92 is fixedly secured to the inner surface of a slightly modified side portion 24a of the first elongated member 16a by means of a pair of rivets 96. The upper end portion 98 of the latch member 92 extends up- OPERATION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF FIGS. 5 AND 6 To operate the latch mechanism 90, the operator applies finger pressure to the upper end portion 98 of the yieldable latch member 92 against the self-imposed spring bias of the latch member 92 thereby allowing the second elongated member 52a to be pivoted upwardly relative to the first elongated member 16a to permit the previously discussed engagement of the first and second bracket members 28 and 38. When the first and second bracket member 28 and 38 are fully engaged. the second elongated member 52 is pivoted downwardly to a substantially horizontal position thereby causing the engagement of the inclined surfaces 104 and 106 of the latch member 92 by the latch-engaging surface 102 of the second elongated member 52a. As the second elongated member 52a continues downwardly to the horizontal position with the latch member 92, the latch member 92 is forced against it selfimposed spring bias to the position indicated by the dashed lines until the second elongated member 52a reaches the horizontal position. When the second elongated member 520 reaches the horizontal position, the spring bias of the latch member 92 causes it to move back into its normal position as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 thereby securely latching the second elongated member 52a to the first elongated member 16a and securing the motor mount to the boat.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIGS. 7 AND 8 FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate another form of latch mechanism 108 mounted on a slightly modified side portion 60b of a slightly modified second elongated member 52b. The latch mechanism 108 comprises a yieldable latch member 110 preferably formed of sheet spring steel. The latch member 110 is fixedly secured to the second elongated member 52b by means of a pair of rivets 112. The latch member 110 includes an L-shaped forward end portion 114 with an inclined surface 116 formed thereon. The L-shaped forward end portion 114 extends through an aperture 118 in the side portion 60b of the second elongated member 52b, and through a second aperture 120 formed in the slightly modified side portion 24b of the slightly modified first elongated member 16b. A latch-engaging surface 122 is formed in the upper portion of the aperture 120. An upwardly extending tab is formed on the latch member 110 and extends a short distance above the second elongated member 52b to provide a gripping point for the operator. The L-shaped forward end portion 114 of the latch member 110 is urged into position to engage the latch-engaging surface 122 by self-imposed spring bias of the latch member 110. The spring bias may be overcome by finger pressure to disengage the latch mechanism 108 and this position of the latch mechanism 108 is illustrated by the dashed lines in FIG. 8.

OPERATION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIGS. 7 AND 8 To release the latch mechanism 108, the operator ap plies outward finger pressure to the tab 124 of the yieldable latch member 110. This movement ever comes the self-imposed spring bias of the latch member 110 and the position is illustrated by the dashed lines in FIG. 8. When the first and second bracket members 28 and 38 are engaged, as described above, the second elongated member 52b is swung downwardly to the substantially horizontal operating position. As the second elongated member 52b approaches the horizontal position the inclined surface 116 of the L-shaped forward end portion 114 of the latch member 110 engages the side portion 24b of the first elongated member 16b thereby forcing the latch member 110 outward to the position shown by the dashed lines. When the second elongated member 52b reaches the horizontal position the latch member 110 is self-biased into the latching position with the L-shaped forward end portion 114 engaging the latch-engaging surface 122 in the aperture 120.

Changes may be made in the combination and arrangement of parts or elements as heretofore set forth in the specification and shown in the drawing without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is: 1. An apparatus for securing an electric trolling motor or the like to the bow portion of a boat, comprising:

a first elongated member having a forward end portion, an aft end portion, and a bottom portion;

a first bracket member, having a forward end portion and an aft end portion, fixedly secured to the bottom portion of said first elongated member, said first bracket member having a first pair of straight wedge surfaces formed thereon and aligned generally with the longitudinal axis of said first elongaged member, said first wedge surfaces being inclined slightly toward each other as they extend forward from the aft end portion of said first bracket member;

a second bracket member, having a forward end portion and an aft end portion, and being rigidly securably to the bow portion of said boat, said second bracket member having a second pair of straight wedge surfaces formed thereon, said second wedge surfaces being inclined slightly toward each other as they extend forward from the aft end portion of said second bracket member, the included angle between the second pair of straight wedge surfaces being substantially equal to the included angle between the first pair of straight wedge surfaces and said first pair of straight wedge surfaces being slidingly engageable with said second pair of straight wedge surfaces whereby said first bracket member may be alternately rigidly engaged with and separated from said second bracket member;

means for rigidly securing said second bracket member to the bow portion of said boat;

a second elongated member, having a forward end portion and an aft end portion, with the aft end portion thereof being hingedly secured to the aft end portion of said first elongated member for relative pivotal movement between said first and second elongated members along a substantially horizontal axis;

a motor mounting plate, having an upper end portion, a lower end portion and a medial portion, fixedly secured at the medial portion thereof to the forward end portion of said second elongated member and lying in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of said second elongated member; and

securing means mutually engageable with said first and second elongated members for releasably securing said first and second elongated members together in a predetermined operating position to prevent relative pivotal movement therebetween.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said securing means is characterized further to include:

a latch-engaging surface formed on said first elongated member; and

a releasable latch, engageable with said latchengaging surface carried by said second elongated member.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said 5 securing means is characterized further to include:

biasing means acting on said releasable latch for urging said latch into engagement with said latchengaging surface. 4. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said securing means is characterized further to include:

a yieldable latch member carried by said second elongated member;

a surface formed on said first elongated member engageable with said yieldable latch member; and biasing means acting on said yieldable latch member for urging said yieldable latch member into engagement with said surface formed on said first elongated member. 5. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said securing means is characterized further to include:

a yieldable latch member carried by said first elongated member;

a latch member-engaging surface formed on said second elongated member engageable with said yieldable latch member; and

biasing means acting on said yieldable latch member for urging said yieldable latch member into engagement with said latch member-engaging surface on said second elongated member.

6. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the lower end portion of said motor mounting plate extends downwardly a substantial distance below the plane of engagement between said first and second bracket members when said first and second said elongated members are secured in the predetermined operating position by said securing means.

7. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, characterized further to include:

lock means carried by said second elongated member for retaining said second bracket member and said first bracket member in rigid engagement.

8. An apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said lock means is characterized further to include:

a lock member fixedly secured to said second elongated member and extending downwardly therefrom to a position immediately forward of the forward end portion of said second bracket member when said first and second bracket members are in rigid engagement. lock member fixedly secured to said second elongated member and extending downwardly therefrom to a position immediately forward of the forward end portion of said second bracket member when said first and second bracket members are in rigid engagement.

Dated Auousi: 7 19-73 Patent No". 7% ,993

Inventor(s) Clifford R. Lyon It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

T- In column 3, line 56, "49" should be 48-. .1 I

I Column line 6, "member" should be -members-- In column 8 deletelines 51 throngh 56 Signed and sealed this 25th day ofDecember 1973.

(SEAL) Attest: v

RD'M. FLETCHER JR. RENE D. TEG'l'l LE'lER fi sting Officer Acting COmITIlSSlOHBI' of Patents 

1. An apparatus for securing an electric trolling motor or the like to the bow portion of a boat, comprising: a first elongated member having a forward end portion, an aft end portion, and a bottom portion; a first bracket member, having a forward end portion and an aft end portion, fixedly secured to the bottom portion of said first elongated member, said first bracket member having a first pair of straight wedge surfaces formed thereon and aligned generally with the longitudinal axis of said first elongaged member, said first wedge surfaces being inclined slightly toward each other as they extend forward from the aft end portion of said first bracket member; a second bracket member, having a forward end portion and an aft end portion, and being rigidly securably to the bow portion of said boat, said second bracket member having a second pair of straight wedge surfaces formed thereon, said second wedge surfaces being inclined slightly toward each other as they extend forward from the aft end portion of said second bracket member, the included angle between the second pair of straight wedge surfaces being substantially equal to the included angle between the first pair of straight wedge surfaces and said first pair of straight wedge surfaces being slidingly engageable with said second pair of straight wedge surfaces whereby said first bracket member may be alternately rigidly engaged with and separated from said second bracket member; means for rigidly securing said second bracket member to the bow portion of said boat; a second elongated member, having a forward end portion and an aft end portion, with the aft end portion thereof being hingedly secured to the aft end portion of said first elongated member for relative pivotal movement between said first and second elongated members along a substantially horizontal axis; a motor mounting plate, having an upper end portion, a lower end portion and a medial portion, fixedly secured at the medial portion thereof to the forward end portion of said second elongated member and lying in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of said second elongated member; and securing means mutually engageable with said first and second elongated members for releasably securing said first and second elongated members together in a predetermined operating position to prevent relative pivotal movement therebetween.
 2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said securing means is characterized further to include: a latch-engaging surface formed on said first elongated member; and a releasable latch, engageable with said latch-engaging surface carried by said second elongated member.
 3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said securing means is characterized further to include: biasing means acting on said releasable latch for urging said latch into engagement with said latch-engaging surface.
 4. An apparatus aS defined in claim 1 wherein said securing means is characterized further to include: a yieldable latch member carried by said second elongated member; a surface formed on said first elongated member engageable with said yieldable latch member; and biasing means acting on said yieldable latch member for urging said yieldable latch member into engagement with said surface formed on said first elongated member.
 5. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said securing means is characterized further to include: a yieldable latch member carried by said first elongated member; a latch member-engaging surface formed on said second elongated member engageable with said yieldable latch member; and biasing means acting on said yieldable latch member for urging said yieldable latch member into engagement with said latch member-engaging surface on said second elongated member.
 6. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the lower end portion of said motor mounting plate extends downwardly a substantial distance below the plane of engagement between said first and second bracket members when said first and second said elongated members are secured in the predetermined operating position by said securing means.
 7. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, characterized further to include: lock means carried by said second elongated member for retaining said second bracket member and said first bracket member in rigid engagement.
 8. An apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said lock means is characterized further to include: a lock member fixedly secured to said second elongated member and extending downwardly therefrom to a position immediately forward of the forward end portion of said second bracket member when said first and second bracket members are in rigid engagement. a lock member fixedly secured to said second elongated member and extending downwardly therefrom to a position immediately forward of the forward end portion of said second bracket member when said first and second bracket members are in rigid engagement. 